Tuesday, October 22, 2013

This past weekend we did another 5k. It was a list minute thing since I did not know if Andy was going to be out hunting, but he decided that they weren't going to go, so I signed us up on Thursday night and the race was Saturday morning. We got up and got moving and out the door. We arrived and it was a very small race, I think a total of 83 people completed it.

We knew some of the people there since they were from our training group and it was nice to say hi to people we haven't seen in a few weeks since training is over. We lined up and the race began. It was a loop around a local park. You do the loop three times and on the last loop around you come across the finish. This was both good and bad.

It was good because you know what you were in for. You were going over the same area so you knew when hills were coming and so forth. You also knew how much longer you had to the finish.

It was bad because people cheated!!! That's right, people cheated on this race and that makes me upset. I know they cheated because they were already at the finish when I arrived, but never passed me, there were actually a few people that I passed, but somehow they arrived at the finish before me. I know it does me no good to be upset about it, but it really did bother me that people would cheat in a race. What is the point of signing up and attending if you are just going to cheat. You aren't cheating anyone but yourself and it makes other people (me) mad about it.

On the way home I had a minor pity party in the car. I was complaining to Andy about how frustrated I am that I keep trying and don't seem to get any better. I know I will never be the fastest in a race, but I would at least like to get better. I just have to keep trying and working at it, eventually it will pay off, right?!?!

On a high note, Andy came in 8th overall and 3rd in his age group so I was very proud of him! He is awesome and super supportive of me. I am pretty sure I may have given up a long time ago if he didn't keep pushing me to achieve my goals.

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

This past Sunday was the Spirit of Survival! I was so excited for this race because it raised money for a great cause, and because it was what our training group had been working toward. Saturday morning our training group had our final session which was just a simple 1 mile (I think, I didn't have my trusty Garmin) walk followed by a celebration breakfast. After training we went and picked up our race packets and hit up the expo which was put on by a running store called Fleet Feet that drove down from Tulsa. Andy picked up some 110% compression for his knee, which he is loving, and I stocked up on Nuun (I finally found watermelon!!!) and some new Balega socks, the best!

Sunday morning rolled around and we were out of bed at 5:40 to get to the start around 6:30. We arrived on time and checked our bag. Gear check was a good walk from the start so that was a little bit of a pain, but not the end of the world. We were waiting in the very long line at the port-a-potties when we finally gave up. We walked down to the start to find more lineless port-a-potties! Then it was time to line up at the start!

They had it set up by pace which was nice. Right at 7:30am the gun went off and the race began. I started off feeling great. I had good pace and was moving along. Then the wind picked up, that darn wind. Tell me how the wind can be at your face for the whole race, when it is an out and back course?!?! Anyway, the wind was killer and slowed me down a bit, but I kept on keepin' on.

There were water stations at every mile (which I knew there would be ahead of time), so I left my hydration belt at home. That was a good idea and I stopped at all of the stations. There was also music at each station and people cheering along the whole route, which was awesome! I had a blast and wish we could do the race again next year (we will be leaving Lawton in February, finally got our Request for Orders for our next duty station, but more on that for another day).

My goal was to finish in under two hours, knowing that I would be run/walking, which is how I trained. I completed the quarter marathon, which per my Garmin was actually 6.62 miles instead of 6.55. I ran about a third and walked two thirds and I ended up finishing at 1:45:33, which is no records but it made me happy. I know I am not and will not ever be the fastest out there, but hey, I am still out there! Andy's goal was the finish the half marathon in two hours, and he did just that, coming in at 2:00:43! So proud of my awesome husband and pretty proud of myself for finishing as well!

After the race we got our medals, hit up the finishers tent for water and snacks and got massages! It was such a great race and we had a blast.

You know how they say races are addictive, well they totally are and now I am on the hunt for a half marathon to train for! It is much better when you are signed up for a race because you have something to train for and work toward. I cannot wait to start training for a half marathon and get my pace more where I want it to be!

Friday, October 4, 2013

Holy cow, I only have two more days until the Spirit of Survival, my first quarter marathon! I know 6.55 miles may not be much for some people, but for me, this is a BIG deal. I have done 5ks and a 4-miler, but I have never done a race over that. I am also so excited because it could not be for a better cause.The Spirit of Survival is an annual race here in Lawton, Oklahoma. I have been looking forward to this race since before we moved here a few months ago. The Spirit of Survival helps raise money for the Southwest Oklahoma Cancer Centers, which is made up of three hospitals: Comanche County Memorial Hospital in Lawton, Duncan Regional in Duncan and Jackson County Memorial in Altus. This race has a special place in my heart as many people in my family, including both of my parents, have had cancer. Luckily, with the work of wonderful doctors, both of my parents are now cancer free!

The training group that we have been a part of for the last 12 weeks is put on by the Spirit of Survival and tomorrow will be out last group. It has been an awesome 12 weeks and I hope I see some of my training buddies on the road in the future or even at some other upcoming local races. If you are in the area, you can still sign up! There are tons of different events for everyone! There is the Hulkin' Half Marathon (what Andy is completing), the Quick Silver Quarter Marathon (what I am doing), the Superhero 5k, the Superhero Kids Marathon, and the Leah M Fitch Spirit Walk. You cannot sign up online anymore, but in-person registration goes until tomorrow! Get out there, have a blast and raise some money for a wonderful cause! I will be sure to give you a race recap early next week, wish me luck to make it across that finish line and hope you have a great weekend!